Vithalbhai Patel laid foundation of India as ‘mother of democracy’: Delhi CM

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said that it was Vithalbhai Patel who laid the groundwork for making India the ‘mother of democracy.’

Speaking at the inaugural session of the All India Speakers’ Conference, Gupta recalled how, 100 years ago, during the British era, Patel became the first Indian to serve as the Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly.

“That moment must have ignited a spark in the hearts of Indians — showing that even under British rule, an Indian could raise his voice and be heard in the House,” she remarked.

Gupta suggested that Vithalbhai must have envisioned a future when India would be free, and Indians would gather in such assemblies under their own Constitution and flag, representing their states and the nation while formulating policies for the welfare of the people.

“No one ever criticised Vithalbhai Patel’s decisions. It was he who laid the foundation for making India the mother of democracy,” the chief minister added.

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Delhi govt notifies rules for e-delivery of summons, warrants

The Delhi BNSS (Service of Summons and Warrants) Rules, 2025, have been notified by the city government, paving the way for electronic delivery of court summons and warrants through WhatsApp and e-mail, officials said.

The move will save time and ensure prompt delivery of the summons, they said.

The notification, issued by the home department of Delhi government, was earlier approved by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, officials said on Saturday.

The provision of electronic delivery will free the police force from paperwork and clerical duties, thereby strengthening their policing activities and investigations, a senior government official said.

Delhi Crime: Crystal meth’s rise fuels alarm in city

Delhi Crime: A strange concern has gripped the Delhi Police and other law enforcement agencies. Once associated largely with parties, methamphetamine has now become widespread among the city’s youth, valued for its quick and powerful high.

Between May and July this year, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has reported multiple seizures of methamphetamine, or crystal meth, in the national capital. On July 21, officers nabbed a foreign national who had hidden 3.81 kg of crystal meth inside an unstitched cloth.

An initial check of her luggage revealed nothing unusual, but a detailed search of the coach uncovered an unclaimed bag concealed in the rear compartment. Inside, six folded salwar suits contained cardboard inserts with polythene-lined cavities. Field tests confirmed the crystalline substance to be methamphetamine. The woman was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act while travelling from Delhi to Bengaluru.